Kali Meehan vs Michael Kirby

Kali ready to crucify the Rhino

by Jamie Gallagher - Glod Coast on-line - June 22nd 2011


WITH 30 of his 37 wins coming by knockout, there isn't a heavyweight in the world who doesn't respect the punching power of Kali Meehan.

The two-time Australian champion has held no less than eight international belts during a decorated 14-year career.

He has headlined fights in Las Vegas, fought on controversial promoter Don King's cards and gone the distance with boxers the calibre of Lamon Brewster and Ruslan Chagaev.

On Friday, Meehan (37-4-0) will trade blows with the "Iron Rhino" Michael Kirby (9-3-2) for the vacant World Boxing Foundation heavyweight title at Southport Sharks.
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The main event on Jamie Myer's seven-bout card, Meehan yesterday promised fight fans fireworks from the opening bell.

"I know (Kirby) won't be holding back wondering," said Meehan, who is coming off two consecutive victories since last year's loss to Chagaev.

"It's for a world title and this is his chance to make a name for himself. He'll bring his A-game and I won't be underestimating him.

"But I've had a lot more experience than he has and I feel very confident I'll get the result."

In the four years since Parramatta hardman Kirby first stepped in the ring, he has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense, walk-forward fighter happy to stand and bang.

He went the distance with Australia's current No.1 Alex Leapai three years back and has since recorded a memorable ninth-round knockout over bruiser Nathan Briggs. But Meehan is a step up.

"I take my hat off to Mick for even taking the fight," Meehan said.

"I've always enjoyed being the underdog though, the power you can get out of it."

Just sizing up the 196cm, 108kg man mountain you get a vivid sense of the trail of destruction this Fijian-born wrecking ball has left in his wake here and overseas.

At the tip of his 206cm reach are the cinder block hands that have levelled the likes of Australian hardman Col Wilson and world title contender DaVarryl Williamson.

"I've always been of the opinion if you can't punch don't box," said Meehan. "I learnt after losing a contentious decision to Lamon Brewster in our WBO world heavyweight title bout never to leave a decision in the judges' hands."

Then there's the granite chin, the one that ensured Meehan was only ever formally acquainted with the canvas twice courtesy of Danny Williams and Hasim Rahman.

"I've never been knocked out cold," he said proudly. "I've been dropped but I've always got up and wanted to continue. I've got a good chin and I've got faith in it."

Following Friday's stoush with Kirby, Meehan is pencilled in for a shot at former WBC world champion Oliver McCall.

 

Some big name history behind the WBF heavyweight title alright:

Harrison
Botha
Calloway
Sosnowski